Whatever you do, make sure you've had a try on both compensating and non-compensating EEb's - they are vastly different beasts. The Willsons are excellent though always a bit on the heavy side. Nimble valves and good intonation. Besson Sovereigns I haven't got on with as the 19" bell is a bit unfocused and the 4th valve territory can be stuffy on some... I can also vouch for Meinl Weston 2040/5 valve as being a particularly good all rounder.

Ref Wessex - I sold one of their Sovereign copies a while back as I found it too easy to overblow and the metal was a bit too thin for my liking. The Gnagey was pretty decent though. Cant comment on the Eastman as they dont appear that often on this side of the pond...

HelloI have a Willson 3400 TA it is a 3+1 compensator, it has a 15 inch bell. I bought it as I am a Euphonium player who was asked to play tuba and couldn't do the usual tuba configuration. I contacted Willson when I bought it and was told it is from the 80's or 90's. It is in lacquer which is mostly gone as older Willson Lacquer goes quick. It is the only one known of in the states according to Willi himself they were marketed in the UK and Europe. I have just sent it in to be cleaned as I am going to list it for sale. I have a Cronkhite leather gig bag in green and tan for it and a Walt Johnson flight case. I have played this horn in a NABBA Brass band and in chamber music and Concert Band. It is great in all venues. It has a VERY BIG SOUND people are always surprised. It uses a regular tuba mouthpieces. I saw you're looking so thought I would reach out to you and see if you might be interested before I list it. I can send pictures if you're interested?Thank YouMark